You've reached your free article limit.

This premium subscription level includes Soccer America Daily, Soccer on TV, Soccer Talk, the Game Report and Soccer America Confidential. Soccer America
Pro members may read, share and comment on all articles from these paid premium newsletters.

U.S. Soccer presidential election: NASL confirms support for Wynalda

The NASL became the first pro league to confirm its support in the U.S. Soccer presidential race when it declared it is backing Eric Wynalda.

The move is no surprise. In a recent
interview with SI.com's Grant Wahl, Wynalda said he had received campaign
support from Riccardo Silva, the owner of the NASL’s Miami FC, and Rocco Commisso, the owner of the New York Cosmos and the chairman of the NASL's board of governors.

Wynalda described the support from Silva as "minimal" and Commisso's as only hotel accommodations on one trip to New York. Commisso said he was prepared to help Wynalda as needed though Wynalda had
not asked.

In a letter to the eight candidates on Dec. 21, U.S. Soccer said the new president will have to disclose his or her financial support during the campaign as part of the annual conflicts declaration
the president must make. Such declarations were voluntary for candidates.

NASL interim commissioner Rishi Sehgal's
statement:

"I am proud to announce that the NASL and its member clubs unanimously support Eric Wynalda to become the next President of the United States Soccer
Federation. Eric is a soccer visionary who knows how to lead by inclusion and empowerment. He was a pioneer when he became one of the first American players to achieve success as a professional player
abroad and that experience left him unafraid to challenge the status quo. Eric is best equipped to deliver an increase in opportunity for all stakeholders and end the conflicts of interest that limit
the sport's growth. There are foundational issues plaguing the sport in our country and Eric's extensive background, including being a member of the Hall of Fame, uniquely positions him well to lead
the development of soccer and not just the business of soccer."

U.S. Soccer National Council:YOUTH COUNCIL
(*2017 delegates)Vote Total: Youth Council shares equal vote with Adult Council and Professional Council.Multiplier:1.0. J=joint adult and youth association. 0=not present at 2017 National Council. *2018
National Council delegates will be based on final 2017 player registrations.

ADULT COUNCIL (*2017
delegates)Vote total: Adult Council shares equal vote with Professional Council and Youth Council.Multiplier:Youth Council delegate/Adult Council delegates.J=joint adult and youth association. 0=not present at 2017 National
Council (in parentheses is number of delegates at 2017 Mid-Year USASA meeting).*2018 National Council delegates will be based on final 2017 player registrations.

PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL (*2018 delegates)Vote Total:
Professional Council shares equal vote with Adult Council and Youth Council.Multiplier:Youth Council delegates/Pro Council
delegates.*2018 National Council delegates are based on what the Board of Directors approved at its Jan. 14 meeting (reported ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle).